Forum of Theology and Liberation and the World Social Forum

by Br. Varghese Manimala OFMCap

This year Dakar, Senegal, was the venue for the World Social Forum (WSF) and also the World Forum of Theology and Liberation (WFTL). Being in Africa it was a good experience to take part in these two, although the WSF did not come up to our expectations. WFTL tried to integrate itself into the WSF and had a few sessions in its venue, but we took ourselves off to a Catholic centre (Sacre Coeur) for our discussions and sessions. The inaugural march of the WSF was rather impressive highlighting the various vital issues that are being faced by the poor and the oppressed, and also affecting the Earth as a whole. The typical African dresses as well as the dance performances were seen on the road and sideways. For me taking part in the WSF is a revitalizing force as liberation from various forms of oppression is close to my heart. To see so many thousands of people being enthused with the idea that “Another World is Possible” and that we all should aim towards and work for it is itself a great message that strengthens your attitude to the struggles of the people and a sense of empathy and compassion flows forth. Evo Morales, the president of Bolivia, was the main speaker at the inaugural meeting, and the clarion call he gave was for unity of the poor and oppressed, and the need to have the conviction that we can build a world in justice, peace and harmony. The urgent need is the unity of the poor and the oppressed, and the conviction that liberation from oppressive structures is a possibility.
This is the third time I got the opportunity to be in the World Social Forum and second time in Forum of Theology and Liberation. These opportunities I consider as God sent because such conferences and fora help us to rejuvenate ourselves with the ideas of liberation and also help us to realize the need for greater commitment.
WFTL began one day ahead of the WSF and the attendance was quite good, many of the participants being from Latin American countries. The exchange was good and we could see many theologians with different perspectives interacting with a lot of passion and conviction. Some of the important topics raised although detailed discussions did not take place about them were: Theology of indigenous people, Feminist theology, Religious pluralism and dialogue, Planetary theology, Eco-human perspective, etc. One thing noted by everyone was that there is a lot of intolerance, and fundamentalism of various sorts is on the increase. Hence theology has to become a lot activisitc. It has to be totally rooted in the context and has to offer answers to the many soul-searching questions of the time. We need to build prophetic communities.
Being in Africa it was felt that the African problems are to be highlighted, but it was not adequately done. Most of the nations in Africa are celebrating 50 years of their independence. Theology has to address the issues concretely; a holistic perspective is a must. Many structures that do not help to build up human community are to be broken down. Issues of violence, justice, youth problems, epidemics especially HIV/AIDS, women’s role in the Church, ecology, etc. need to get urgent attention. Africa’s culture is promotion of life, and this has to be adhered to. Destiny of Africa should be shaped by African hands.
There is need to analyze our paradigms and presuppositions as well as propositions. We cannot avoid the need to arrive at a pluralistic theology, and this will call for a new theology of religions. A decolonized theology is the need of the hour. As a result we will have to denounce all the oppressive structures whether political or religious. We have to be consumed by the prophetic anger. Today’s theology needs to transform itself by feeling the pain of the heart of the oppressed and the downtrodden; otherwise theology is merely a classroom exercise without relevance to the practical life. For this we have to join hands with the people who are struggling to fight for justice, to keep ourselves far away from them means we are siding with the oppressors, because silence in such cases is equal to violence. True theology has to make us passionate for justice, peace and harmony. A theology that shies away from this important task is outmoded and needs to be thrown out. Today we hear a cry for justice from all parts of the world in the face of which we need to examine our language as well as our communication and mode of action. A theology of victims has to become our priority. From the brokenness creativity needs to issue forth and also it should bring about true wisdom. This will invite us also to criticize the existing world order; hence the approach of Christianity to the situation also has to be questioned. There is an urgency to construct a theology of the victims. We need to work towards an alternative reality as the slogan of the World Social Forum indicates: “A New World is Possible.” This cannot remain merely on the level of possibility; it has to become an actuality especially in the lives of the oppressed and downtrodden.
Theology also needs to network with other movements and ideologies. In other terms we need a true theology of pluralism, and a genuine dialogical theology and true interfaith encounter. Such a theology will have an inclusive praxis and all excluded and small groups have to find a place in it. Expression of theology has to take place through local symbols, rituals, narrative stories, expressions such as music, dance, etc. Besides a greater stress has to be placed on feminist and ecological perspectives. Theological reflection has to concentrate on concrete issues like the problem of immigration; perhaps, a planetary theology will help in this regard. Crossing the borders is an important attitude that theology constantly need to maintain. We also need to create a network of theologies and other movements. For this an accent has to be placed on the prophetic dimension and also theology from the margins. In this manner we have to build a theology of inclusive pluralism with a self-critical attitude that will facilitate interreligious dialogue.
Thus the exercise of the Forum was quite useful and enriching, although our expectations regarding the World Social Forum were very much belied. The WFTL came to a conclusion with a beautiful and meaningful candle light ceremony in which all participated.

Br. Varghese Manimala OFMCap
Director, Henry Martyn Institute (HMI)
Hyderabad, India
www.hmiindia.com